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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Sexual function and dysfunction in older HIV-positive individuals

Darren B. Russell
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Cairns Sexual Health Service, PO Box 902, Cairns, Qld 4878, Australia.

B School of Population Health, The University of Melbourne, Vic. 3053, Australia.

C School of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Cairns, Qld 4811, Australia.

D Corresponding author. Email: darren_russell@health.qld.gov.au

Sexual Health 8(4) 502-507 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH11041
Submitted: 6 March 2011  Accepted: 11 April 2011   Published: 29 July 2011

Abstract

With many parts of the world seeing an aging cohort of people living with HIV (PLHIV), it is becoming clear that some organ systems in these individuals are at a greater risk of disease. There are effects on sexual functioning in aging PLHIV, with many studies finding higher levels of sexual dysfunction in HIV-positive individuals compared with those who are HIV-negative. HIV itself, along with antiretroviral agents, may cause dysfunction. Treatment involves making an assessment of the dysfunction and using the usual methods available, although treatment may be complicated by hormonal deficiencies in HIV-positive individuals, along with the effects of antiretroviral therapy, and drug interactions involving such medications. Furthermore, the issue of HIV transmission needs to be addressed in those seeking treatment for sexual dysfunction.

Additional keywords: aging, AIDS, antiretroviral, erectile dysfunction, sexual desire, transmission.


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